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Visit to Onioshidashi Park

Written by NAVITIME Travel Editors

17. November. 2017

In 1783, Mount Asama erupted right on the border between Gunma and Nagano Prefectures and formed Onioshidashi Park, a striking park at the bottom of the volcano where visitors are treated to an impressive view of Gunma Prefecture and a strong sense of spirituality.

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

Onioshidashi Park is located in Gunma Prefecture yet it is one of the highlights of a trip to Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture. For the travelers spending a few days in the region, the drive up to the park is a nice compliment to the entertainment back in town. Once at the park, the feeling of immensity is immediate as the view of the rocky formations and the valley below welcome visitors in. There is an extensive walking trail and the temple in the middle of the park dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, so a visit to this park is about taking a walk through nature and for the believers, a pilgrimage to the Buddhist symbols.

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

No matter what your reason is for visiting the park, the best way to enjoy it is by starting on the far left path that begins after crossing the red kannon gate.This winding path is the quickest way that will take you up to the temple, where you can get a close look of the religious symbols and a chance to ring the bell at the top. The view from the temple is stunning and worth stopping for a few moments to immerse oneself in the surroundings. If you’re short of time and need to move on to the next destination, then this should be the spot to visit. If time is on your side, then continue on and up the trails. Beyond the temple, we recommend you explore the unique volcanic rock formations and the wild plants that sprout from between the rocks.

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

However It’s not only the impressive views that the park has to offer. From May to October, Onioshidashi Park is home to a variety of wild plants and to get a glimpse of these rarities there are three different courses to explore. The Ura Sando path is the shortest of the three courses and easily covered on the descent from the temple.

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

The Okunoin Sando is the longest path at 1,200 metres long, and the Kozan Shokubutsu Kansatsu course will get you the the highest elevation point in the park at 1,358 metres above sea level. Whatever course you take, keep an eye out for the wild plants which are marked on the park’s map along with the best spots to get the memorable scenic photo. Religious statues and symbols pop-up throughout the course which add more mysticism to the hike. On clear days the view of Mount Asama will accompany the walk around the park and make the scene even more picturesque.

Visit to Onioshidashi Park

Upon return to the bottom, a row of food stands await with an assortment of typical Japanese snacks, and an outdoor seating area perfect to recover from the walk. A few steps further down, the welcoming centre houses a restaurant and an observation deck for those in need of a more significant bite to eat and to get one last look at the horizon.

[Admission fee gold] Adult (Junior High School Students and above) 650 yen, Children [Small Junior High School Students] 450 yen

Parking Lot

Available 750 passenger cars, 35 buses

Introduction

This beautiful scenery was created from the lava that flowed out and spread when Mt. Asama had its giant eruption in 1783. The sight of the giant lava boulders scattered around makes for an impressive sight. In spring the lovely alpine plants bloom in profusion, while visitors can enjoy the changing leaves in the fall. The contrast with the deep black earth is indeed a sight to behold.

Recommended Related Plans

PLACES IN THIS ARTICLE

Karuizawa

Station

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa ()

OnioshidashiPark

Rock (Hoodoo)

Gunma Pref. Agatsumaguntsumagoimura Kambara 1053

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